Billie Dove was born Lillian Bohny on May 14, 1903, to Swiss parents Charles and Bertha Bohny, who emigrated to New York City before she was born. Educated in private schools in Manhattan, she was already recognized as a beauty by her early teens. By 15 and 16, she was helping to support her family by working as a photographer's and artist's model. It is said that the renowned poster painter/illustrator James Montgomery Flagg sketched her during this period.
Billie Dove
Deceased · Born: May 14, 1903 · Died: Dec 31, 1997
